In the run-up to next weekend's Black Clover Beerfest at the Riot Room on September 17 and 18, I's doing a little catch-up reporting -- or trying to -- on Mac Lethal's recent two-fisted split with (1) Rhymesayers Entertainment, the label that released 11:11, and (2) with Seattle rapper Grieves, who recently parted ways with Mac's Black Clover Records.
The Rhymesayers split wasn't surprising, given how many different versions of 11:11 the Minnesota label made Mac record before settling on the one that got released in October 2007 -- not to mention the bevy of Love Potion Collection releases that Mac released himself on the side through BCR. (Also, in case ya didn't know, Lethal released The Original 11:11 Sessions on disc as part of the Black Clover Barrel-Aged Series.) In short, Mac Lethal was going to put his music out, Rhymesayers or no.
In a Lethalville.net forum post a few weeks ago titled "The Rhymesayers situation + this other thing," Mac wrote:
I have absolutely no desire to be apart of any other record label. Rhymesayers was always the only label I ever wanted to be apart of, and I am thankful they gave me the opportunity. It is a completely amicable decision, and I am proud to have been apart of their movement.
And then, without naming Grieves:
A certain someone left Black Clover. I could write 28 paragraphs of an explanation, but why?I think for nearly the last 2 years I have done nothing but co-sign and promote this cat. I have stuck my neck out for him and made sure everyone in my reach knew who he was. In fact, today when discussing ideas for a few West Coast shows (involving a very large British rapper, more info soon ) with Charles De Mar, I realized that for the last 2 years, all I have done is tour so my Black Clover Family could be on the road getting exposure.
A part of the reason that I left Rhymesayers in the first place was so I could land this killer distribution deal Black Clover now has. Understandably Rhymesayers couldn't allow me to do that AND be an RSE artist, so they granted me the decision to leave and pursue my own dreams, respectively. But I find it weird that I have given so much of myself out to other people.
Earlier today, when I asked Mac via e-mail if he had any further comment on Grieves leaving, he sent me the following MP3, without comment -- save for the MP3's file name, which was kind of a comment...
If you're unfamiliar with that audio sample, slap yourself. Then get a copy of the film Glengarry Glen Ross. It's a telling snippet of Alec Baldwin's famous "Coffee is for closers" monologue, which I have embedded, just for you, after the jump.
So, it's possible that Grieves had a Don Draper-like no-contract contract with Black Clover that enabled him to skedaddle at will. Perhaps there were personality conflicts. Maybe it was just business. I called Mac Lethal for a straight answer, but I doubt he'll call me back with one. Mac & co. prefer to let you muddle around in the dark, trying hopelessly to make sense of that goddamn forum, among other things. (Black Clover president Jeremy Willis' response to the Grieves question was no more than a link to this video.)
Though BCR has a distro deal with E1/Koch how will it do without Grieves? How will Mac do without RSE? And will people on the Lethalville forum continue to ROFL?
Answers to these questions and more may be implied in roundabout fashion at the Beerfest, where the lineup (sans times) for the two-day event is as follows.
Black Clover Beerfest. Friday, September 18:
Mac Lethal
DJ SKU
Soulcrate Music
DJ Stevie Cruz
DJ Chadillac
DJ 2tone
Black Clover Beerfest Pre-Party. Thursday, September 17:
Prof and Rahzwell
St. Paul Slim
James Christos
Bacon Shoe
Cut Throat Freak Show
Akream
DJ Chadillac
DJ Stevie Cruz
Tickets for the Beerfest are $30 and may be purchased here. The ticket price includes the Beerfest, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and features unlimited samples of more than 70 beers from more than 30 breweries. At 10 p.m., the free beer stops and the show begins. Those who want to see the show and not attend the Beerfest will be allowed in after 10, depending on capacity, for $15.
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mac lethal was a part of RSE at one point in time as well. so I guess he's a backstabber too huh?
I had quite a few problems seeing the web page. The letters in the subject don't load accurately.
Grieves is talented. That's why Mac brought him into BCR. It's sad that money appears to be the motivating factor for the part. I do not know that for a fact, but I'm willing to bet 20$ on it. Mac has done nothing but give back, instead of take. It is a shame that Grieves didn't adopt that philosophy.
Its rare that any artist go above and beyond for their fans, and actually care about them, rather than care how much money they get from their wallets. If you enjoy hip-hop, and have never been to a black clover show, you are missing out.
Why would you wish grieves the best Will? Lethal, one of kansas city's pioneer indy MCs stuck his neck out for Grieves and let Grieves ride the Black Clover coat tails to indy stardom only to stab Mac in the back..
Never forget that Black Clover was created in the town, for the town and has taken the town all over the globe. Mac is right behind Tech Nyne when it comes to screaming for the KILLAH CITY.
Grieves pretty much stabbed KC in the back..
Oh yeah is GOod JOE GOOD?
Too bad for Grieves, I am confident Black Clover will continue to spread hip hop in a brotherhood fashion without his whining. Soulcrate Music is a gem, if you have not experienced these guys then Beerfest is a must, if you have seen them then you probably already have tickets.. I suggest attending the event, perhaps you will feel less muddled and in the dark... Black Clover records, repeat as needed...
I took it seriously up until the Rich Kids link. Then I lost my shit. Thank you.
hmm . . . Slick Rick? I know he's touring w/ the legends of hiphop thing . . . in town at the scottish rite temple sept 26th, btw - doug e fresh and two guys from digital underground as well . . .
so that pretty much leaves . . . monie love?
tricky? dizzee rascal? i mean, if america is going to consider dizzee rascal a "huge British rapper" i'd say it's probably best for whomever that tour didn't happen.
roots manuva?
no wait - is it SPACEAPE! YEAH SPACEAPE!
*crickets*
BRING SPACEAPE HERE! (with kode9, of course)
I HIGHLY doubt that is Joe Good, he probably put 'good' meaning he is glad Grieves is gone.
KC needs more rapper drama lol
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